Print n Mix

2012: Supposed doom and gloom: Global recession and the end of the world. Yet the Spring/Summer 2012 collection couldn’t be any more different.... its incredibly upbeat. A print revolution dominates, graphics, florals, paisleys, abstract, birds, tribal and baroque created a colour kaleidoscope. We’ll see retro-Americana, metallics in every shade, jewels and a twenties comeback in the shops. Dark gothic looks, colour blocking, splashy watercolour motifs and new simple silhouettes in sporty pieces just in time for the Olympics. Plus a nice palate cleanser with white romantics and candy coloured pastels. They'll be gold accessories, tassels, cat eyed and John Lennon sunglasses, cut outs baring midriffs and shoulders plus the peplum skirt. Button up shirts, pyjamas, mesh and open weave materials will all make an appearance. Hair and beauty is diverse also: Coral orange lips, wine lips, buns, ombre hair and Hollywood retro curls. I’ll add a trend preview when I can as there's just so darn many.

FLORAL

Flower Power in spring? Hardly a surprise. But this seasons collection was so varied I was never bored. Chic botanical patterns, petal appliqués and bright 3D florals created a blossoming explosion of prints. London and New York catwalks were the most experimental and in Milan, the florals were more retro. Stella McCartney's Resort 2012 collection tops her Resort 2011 citrus prints. Blumarine and Proenza Schouler also went for the vibrant tropical look . A bit too extreme for myself. I preferred the mismatched florals at Mary Katrantzou, Sportmax and Erdem. Christopher Kane focused on candied, stick on flowers teamed with organza dresses and coats. Sixties daisy prints charmed at Marni whilst Peter Som opted for photo realistic roses. Crazy coloured blooms not your thing?, Alexander Wang, Dries Van Noten and Valentino took a subtler approach with monochrome florals. Valentino and Alberta Ferretti's modern romance collection charmed with intricate floral appliqué and  sheer dusty pinks. If your not brave enough, team a floral blouse with cigarette pants or complicate a solid skirt. Zara has an amazing shirt seen on many bloggers. I love the vintage floral look most. If printed perennials are too feminine. Add high top trainer wedges, Rosie Huntington Whiteley style. Jason Wu collaborated with graffiti artist KAWS on a petal print. It added a bit of street cred. Also, It’s all about the printed trouser this season. Get one!

Versace H&M

DKNY

Topshop Leggings

Zara Shirt

                                                                                                    

ASOS Shirt with Placement Floral Print

ASOS Blazer in Scenic Print

                     

PAISLEY

If feminine florals aren't for you. Check out Dolce and Gabbana SS12 show. The clash of psychedelic colours mixed in with fruit, floral and paisley prints, made it look like a massive crazy party. Scarf prints were everywhere right down to platform heels and oversized clutch bags. Prints contained Medusa and Italian motifs. Oversized, gold coin statement earrings, teamed with a  sombrero like hats added drama. I'm thinking find a vintage or Hermes scarf and tie it anywhere on your body. Paisley prints were splashed over tailored pieces at Jil Sander while Emilio Pucci updated it's signature print with a more mismatched creation. Silk pyjama paisley pieces at McCartney and JW Anderson is a double trend hit. Whilst Paul & Joe, Matthew Williamson had a boho theme to their paisley pieces with maxi dresses. The first picture is Prada's Spring Ad campaign-loving the green paisley bodysuit.

M.I.A in Versace

Stella McCartney

Thakoon

Jil Sander

Sport Max Mara

JW Anderson

                 

               ASOS paisley playsuit

Baroque is my second favourite print this season after paisley. Graphical baroque print looks luxurious whether it’s found in the fabric or embroidery. Other intriguing prints are digital flowered images from Mary Katrantzou, abstract art with mirrorlike geometric shapes at Hermès and swirling graphics at Vera Wang. Jill Stuart put birds on pyjama-inspired wear and Marc by Marc Jacobs runway showed bright, abstract birds on a cocktail dress. There’s a print for everyone this season. Spring takes prints to the next level with combined print ensembles. Pairing floral tops with matching bottoms is a high fashion look. The head-to-toe look in all-over florals looked good at Peter Som. The S/S12 season showed flowers combined geometrical prints, polka dots also. Not for me I’m afraid. Only supermodels could probably pull that off. Topshop baroque hotpants and Nasty Gal's painted prints below are cute.           

Topshop Baroque 

                                                   

                                                   

Topshop Unique

Hermes

Balmain